Alia Khaled is a proud native of Long Beach, California, and has called Oakland home since 2021. She embraces her rich cultural heritage—Palestinian, Cambodian, and Chinese—with deep pride, which has given her a unique perspective and a profound appreciation for diverse communities.

Raised by a strong and compassionate mother who survived one of the world’s most devastating genocides in Cambodia, Alia grew up grounded in the values of kindness, generosity, and love. Her mother’s resilience became a guiding force in her life, shaping the way she understands the world and the compassion she brings to those around her.Her early years were also marked by personal challenges, including the incarceration of her Palestinian father when she was just five years old. Through these hardships, Jowanna discovered her own resilience and inner strength—qualities that continue to define her journey.

Rooted in her multicultural identity and shaped by both struggle and love, Jowanna remains deeply committed to making a positive impact in the world, drawing from her past to empower her present and future. She enjoys and looks forward to nurturing strong connections, watering the roots, and growing alongside the vibrant community at LSPC.